David K. Oakley (April 27, 1945 – July 2, 2006) was an American professional golfer whose greatest success came on the European Seniors Tour.
Early life
Oakley was born in New York, but grew up in Panama City, Florida. He got started in golf by his mother, who thought a nine-hole course near their home would make a fine babysitter for Oakley and his brother. Oakley was the older brother of American professional golfer Pete Oakley.
Amateur career
Oakley attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he was a walk-on member of coach Buster Bishop's Florida Gators men's golf team from 1965 to 1967.[1] As a Gator golfer, he was a member of teams that won Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships in 1965 and 1967.[1] He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1967.
Professional career
In 1970, Oakley turned pro. He played in Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States. In 1976, he stopped working as a touring professional to concentrate on a business career unrelated to golf.
Re-instated amateur status
Oakley regained his amateur status during this era. He worked for ten years as a hotel liquidator and then nine years as a furniture store manager.
Second professional career
In 1996, Oakley returned to professional golf and played on various senior circuits.[2] He had much success on the European Senior Tour where he won four times. He was fifth on the European Seniors Tour career money list at one point.
Personal life
Oakley died in Orlando, Florida, from prostate cancer at the age of 61.[3] He was survived by his wife Doris and sons James and Christopher.
Professional wins (4)
European Seniors Tour wins (4)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | Margin of victory |
Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 May 1999 | MDIS & Partners Festival of Golf | −8 (68-71-69=208) | 6 strokes |  Jerry Bruner,  David Huish
|
| 2 | 20 Aug 2000 | De Vere Hotels Seniors Classic | −17 (67-64-65=196) | 4 strokes |  Noel Ratcliffe
|
| 3 | 19 Aug 2001 | Energis Senior Masters | −8 (68-69-71=208) | 3 strokes |  Malcolm Gregson
|
| 4 | 2 Sep 2001 | Scottish Seniors Open | −6 (65-70-75=210) | Playoff | Keith MacDonald
|
European Seniors Tour playoff record (1–0)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001 | Scottish Seniors Open | Keith MacDonald
|
Won with par on second extra hole |
See also
References
- ^ a b Florida Men's Golf 2011 Media Supplement Archived April 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 35 & 41 (2010). Retrieved July 14, 2011.
- ^ "Oakley passes away Archived 2006-07-16 at the Wayback Machine, " PGATour.com (July 5, 2006). Retrieved July 29, 2011.
- ^ "David Oakley, 61, pursued love of golf," The Washington Times (July 5, 2006). Retrieved November 21, 2010.
External links
- David Oakley at the European Tour official site
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